Dodd, now the chairman and CEO of Hollywood&rsquo;s top lobbying organization, the Motion Picture Association of America, announced new staff hires today that pull from his days in Congress.

Laura Nichols will oversee media relations as the MPAA&rsquo;s executive vice president of global communications. Nichols was previously a senior vice president of communications and strategies for the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Dodd also hired Lori McGrogan, his former deputy chief of staff, to serve as his senior adviser. McGrogan will oversee strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

&ldquo;I am proud to announce this team of tremendously accomplished individuals,&rdquo; Dodd said in a statement. &ldquo;The creative community&rsquo;s voice in Washington will be critical in the months and years ahead as our leaders debate what will be the best, most cost-effective ways to produce new jobs and protect the ones we have. We&rsquo;ve assembled a senior team, who, together with our dedicated MPAA global staff, will set our sights on delivering a clear and simple message: when it comes to growing our economy, creating jobs, promoting trade and American innovation, movies matter.&rdquo;